Toilet water saving system using waste water

ABSTRACT

This invention is a hygienic water saving system which can be applied to all washing machines and toilets and evaluates waste water produced by washing machines in toilets and provides water-saving in toilet siphons, produces electrical energy through solar panel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is about the system using waste water of washingmachine and supplies water need of closets, urinals and such productgroups.

PREVIOUS TECHNIC

A. Prior Technic About Toilets

The water required for toilet flushing needs of toilet groups likecloset, squat toilet, urinal and etc., in toilet system, is suppliedfrom city mains water supply (tap water/clean water). In the currentsystems which are connected to the mains water supply toilet flushingtank (reservoir) is filled with tap water. Though these siphon tanksvary depending on the brand and model the average has 5-12 litersvolume. When user presses to the flush button or pull the siphon wateris discharged from the tank to the toilet bowl and drags feces to theseptic channel. In most urinals type this process is done without tank.Mains water is discharged directly into the urinal without water tankwith various valves, sensors and etc.

Another toilet system concept made with the objective of providing watersaving is as follows: This concept system consists of a sink and atoilet. Sink waste pipe (outlet) and also siphon tank are connected tomains water pipe. So, contrary to the above-described system, two-pipesare connected to siphon tank. Siphon tank (reservoir) is filled by 50%with waste water coming from sink as the sink is used, and filled by 50%with clean water from the mains water supply. Thus, according to thestandard system, 50% water is saved for water used in closets.

Also, for closets, etc., product groups to be clean, hygienic and withfragrant odor, to remove lime, fecal residue, for convenience duringcleaning with toilet brush and to color the water; bowl/reservoir blocksare used externally installed near closet or placed into reservoir.Because these closet/reservoir blocks contain various chemicals, dyesand fragrances they are used for cleaning water, coloring water and mostimportant to remove/fix bad odors. In addition, they are also used forhygiene.

B. Previous Technic About Washing Machines

Washing machines basically are connected to the mains water to meet theneed for clean water. Machinery washes laundry with clean water fed fromthe mains water supply and detergent put to machine by users and at theend of the washing process discharges its waste water to waste waterpipeline (septic tank/outlet) as programmed. At this stage, many newgeneration washing machines, obtain essential pressure to dischargewaste water to outlet from the motor placed into washing machine. Thus,waste water with detergent is discharged to septic channel.

PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this innovation is; to gain 100% of 5-12 liters waterwasted in each press to siphon used by people more than one time eachday for their basic need of toilet and not to waste extra water forsiphon. Using/assessing washing machine waste water for water needed intoilets for siphon, instead of clean mains water and to make 100% savingfrom mains water used for siphon in toilets.

In the previous technic while washing machine and separate toilet siphonspends water, with this inventive system no clean water is wasted intoilets. Thanks to these innovation, waste water of washing machinessupplies water required by toilets. Thus, the invention system avoids ofunnecessary waste of water in toilets. In the simplest terms, instead ofdischarging waste water of washing machine directly to septic channel,the invention uses waste water of washing machine in toilet siphons andthen discharges to septic channel from toilet which would otherwisedirectly discharged to septic channel.

In other previous technical concept system, because sink is not used andwaste water does not occur, water tank is not filled with water comingfrom here continuously and while previous technic provides 50% saving incontrast, this inventive system provides 100% water saving. In addition,the waste water arising from the use of sink contains various particlesand harmful organisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.); it causes systemblockages in pipes and siphon tank with bad smells, and provides aconvenient environment for the growth of harmful organisms and algae. Inthe inventive system, used water is not general purpose water, andfilter is not used. Thereby filter, eliminates this problem by holdingparticles causing blockage in the pipes and siphon tank. And because themost important innovation used in the inventive is liquid washingmachine waste water; various chemicals (detergent, bleach, etc.) in thisfluid content inhibits the growth of microorganisms kills them; andaccordingly washing machine waste water has anti-bacterial propertiesand provides toilet hygiene by eliminating bacteria-colony odors andvisible stains.

Also aim is coloring water of toilet users, efficient cleaning, hygiene,perfumes and to make toilet look brighter; ensure to ceasing use oftoilet/cistern blocks, naphthalene and etc., with this system; therebyeliminate economic loss and to facilitate cleaning of toilet bowls withthis product.

The invention system can produce its own electricity needed by systemcomponents by producing electrical energy through solar panel and canwork independently of mains water. In the description of the inventionthe system of invention, is described in two energy options. These twooptions; are equipped with solar panels and without solar panels.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1: General perspective of elements that form invention andoperation logic of the system (connection diagram).

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCES IN THE FIGURES

1. Washing machine water input (Clean Water)

-   -   1.1. Siphon tank water input (Clean Water)    -   1.2. Polyethylene tank with cold water input (clean water)    -   1.3. Polyethylene Tank drain output (used water)

2. Washing machine

-   -   2.1. Washing machine waste water hose (outlet)

3. Stainless steel filter capsule

-   -   3.1. Filter capsule inlet    -   3.2. Filter capsule outlet and polyethylene tank inlet

4. Polyethylene water tank

-   -   4.1. The lower limit of the float    -   4.2. The upper limit of the float    -   4.3. Ventilation Grill

5. Liquid level sensor

-   -   5.1. Electronic device reading fluid level and the display

6. Hydrophore (water booster)

7. Solar panel

-   -   7.1. Solar panel energy storage electronic unit        -   7.1.1. Electronic unit mains connection

8. The toilet siphon tank (reservoir)

-   -   8.1. Three-way diagonal valve    -   A: Washing machine and waste water hose as external elements of        system    -   B: Toilet set as external element of system    -   C: The system's internal (main) elements    -   D: PVC connection pipes carrying liquid from polyethylene tank        to water booster and from booster to siphon tank.    -   E: Power cables feeding water booster and sensor kit.    -   F: Water booster and sensor kit, mains electricity connection        (for systems not using solar panel)

EXPLANATION OF INVENTION

The invention system operates between components of washing machine asexternal element of system (A) and system toiletries as externalelements (B) of system. The invention system is compatible with washingmachines (2) and toiletries (B).

Washing machine (2) washes laundry with clean water received from mainswater supply (1) and user added several chemicals (detergent, bleach,etc.) as it is programmed. Washing machine (2) sends chemical wastewaterresulting from washing to draining hose (2.1). This washing machineoutlet hose (2.1) is connected to inlet orifice (3.1) of steel filtercapsule (3). Waste water coming from washing machine outlet hose (2.1)is poured to filter capsule (3) here. Filter capsule (3), is connectedto polyethylene tank inlet (3.2). Waste water passing through the filter(3) is discharged to same polyethylene tank (4) from the top level withsame compulsion. Thus, all particles up to 10 microns in the waste waterresulting from washing are filtered with this filter (3). Because offilter (3), polyethylene tank (4) is kept away from physical wastes andtank (4) is kept clean. In addition, the filter (3) keeps these wastesand prevents physical blockages that may occur throughout the system andprevents damage or corrosion of booster (6). This is the reason whyfilter (3), is placed at the beginning of the system before polyethylenetank (4) and booster (6). Filter capsule (3) is manufactured fromstainless steel and resistant to corrosion and chemicals. It can bewashed under running water and cleaned at regular intervals and it isfor multi-time use. (On request filter (3) can be modernized, and color,odor and chemical purification functions can be added to these filters(3)).

The filtered washing machine waste water is deposited in polyethylenetank (4). Polyethylene tank (4) is used to provide a continuous flow ofwaste water in the system. Booster (6) takes the waste water from thistank (4) as needed. Simply polyethylene tank (4) ensures the toiletflushing tank (8) is always full. The reason for using a bluepolyethylene tank (4) type; is its resistance to the sunlight andprevention of growth of microorganisms and algae due to its structuralchemistry. Also, to ensure ventilation of tank (4) ventilation grid(4.3) is disposed to on tank (4).

In order to prevent overflow when polyethylene tank (4) is full, upperlimit float (4.2) is disposed into reservoir (4). When liquid inpolyethylene tank (4) rises to upper limit level, the upper limit float(4.2), set at this level drains excess fluid from the outlet (1.3).Discharge outlets (1.3) are connected to septic tank channel by pipes.Upper limit (4.2) float continues to drain excess fluid within tank (4)up to desired volume until to ensure a safe tank (4). Thus overflow ofthe liquid in polyethylene tank (4) is prevented.

In the event of a reduction of liquid in polyethylene tank (4) to ensuresystem continue to operate and continuity of water flow to toiletflushing tank (8); lower limit float (4.1) is disposed to bottom of tank(4). Lower limit float (4.1) is set to a certain level and when liquidlevel in tank (4) falls to a minimum it starts to receive clean watersupport from water input (1.2) into tank (4). The lower limit of thefloat (4.1) continues to receive water from the mains water supply untilthe desired minimum water volume is achieved. When water inside tank (4)reaches to desired minimum level of liquid the lower limit float (4.1)stops water intake. So the required minimum water level inside tank (4)is preserved and water supply to flush tank (8) continues. This minimumvolume required in the single system, is such as to fill at least onetoilet tank (8). So this is volume of the toilet tank (8) isapproximately 15 liters to fill a toilet tank (8). This volume isincreased in multiple systems, proportional to the number of units.Thus, due to lower limit float (4.1) feature; while keeping the minimumliquid level within the tank (4); siphon tank (8) and corroding booster(6) when exposed to dehydrate has not been left without water andcontinuity of the system fluid flow is restored.

Liquid level in tank (4) can be read liquid level sensor (5). Liquidlevel sensor (5) forwards liquid level sensor information (5) insidetank (4) to connected electronic device (5.1). In this way, users cansee the amount of liquid in tank (4) from the screen of electronicdevice (5.1). In addition, this electronic device (5.1) can bemodernized and fully automated; and can perform functions of watersupply to tanks (4) and fluid drain electronically instead of floatupper limit (4.2) and the lower limit float (4.1).

Booster (6), is connected tank (4) with connection pipe (D) operateswhen toilet flushing tank (8) runs empty, and begins to take waste waterfrom tank (4). Booster (6) pumps/forwards fluid taken from theconnecting pipe (D), to siphon tank (8) at desired flow rate. Untilsiphon tank (8) is full booster (6) continues to pump fluid. When siphontank (8) is full, as usual pump float interrupts the flow of fluidwithin siphon tank (8) and booster (6) stops working simultaneously. Assiphon tank (8) evacuated; booster (6) is engaged and pumps waste watertaken from tank (4) to siphon tank (8). Thus, button of siphon tank (8),is pressed by users, washing machine waste water in siphon tank (8) isdischarged into the closet inside. Water pressure provided by booster(6), is equal to the mains water pressure. This pressure isapproximately 3 bars.

User when requested may cut washing machine waste water with a three-waydiagonal valve (8.1) placed on the connection tube (D) next to siphontank (8) and may fill siphon tank (8) with mains water. On inlet ofthree-way diagonal valve (8.1) is connected to booster (6) one isconnected to the connecting pipe (D), and the other is connected tomains water inlet (1.1) and one inlet is connected to the siphon tank(8). When required users can turn this valve (8.1) and; may transferclean water from mains water inlet (1.1) directly to the siphon tank (8)and again by turning this valve (8.1) users may transfer washing machinewaste water coming from (4) to siphon tank (8). Three-way diagonal valve(8.1) can be turned to three directions; when it is turned to onedirection it stops mains water input (1.1) and opens connection betweenconnection pipe (D) and siphon tank (8); and when it is turned to theopposite direction it cuts the way of connecting pipe is (D) and opensmains water input (1.1). Thus, user can decide on what kind of water tofill to siphon tank (8).

Electrical energy to operate booster (6) as among system's internalcomponents (C) and sensor set (5) (5.1) is provided in two options. Thefirst of these is; electricity produced by solar panel (7). Solar panel(7) produces energy and sends energy to energy storing electronics unit(7.1) and energy is stored there. Energy storing electronics unit (7.1)consists of dry batteries and electronic circuits. The electronic unit(7.1) has two cables (E) and one is connected to booster (6) and theother is connected to sensor set (5) (5.1). The electronic unit (7.1);provides the desired voltage electrical with power cables (E) to booster(6), and sensor set (5) (5.1). Thus booster (6) and sensor set (5) (5.1)would have to meet their energy needs and energized from this electronicunit (7.1) as needed. (Liquid level sensor (5) and the fluid levelreading electronic device (5.1) and display of with two component arecalled as sensor set (5) (5.1).)

Energy-storing electronic unit (7.1) is also electrically connected tomains power supply (7.1.1). The purpose of this feature is to ensureoperation of system with energy supplied from the mains (7.1.1) in caseof insufficient energy deposition in electronic unit (7.1) and/or incase of malfunctioning of the system. Thus, the system can continue towork uninterruptedly. In case an error, etc. occurs in electronic unit(7.1) relay in the electronic unit (7.1) is engaged in the mainselectricity (7.1.1) starts to deliver support. The electronic unit (7.1)takes energy from the mains only in such cases (7.1.1). During normaloperation, it uses the energy produced by solar panel (7). Moreover,LEDs located on the electronic unit (7.1). LED flashes green duringnormal operation and red in case of failures to warn user.

Second energy option to run boosters (6) and sensor set (5) (5.1) is thesystem without solar panel (7) and accessories. This option is left tothe user's opinion. In case users prefer a system without solar panel(7) the system provides electrical energy as follows: booster (6) andthe sensor set (5) (5.1) are directly connected to the water supply (F)and these elements receive electrical energy requirements from mainspower connection (F).

In addition, in the direction of demands of users; with a larger solarpanel (7) electronic unit (7.1) can be modernized and electric powerneeds of washing machine (2) may be provided by connecting the washingmachine (2) to solar panel (7) by using the electronic unit (7.1) and anadditional power cable. Thus, the solar panel (7) can feed also washingmachine (2).

In FIG. 1 single invention system is described with single sample. Theinvention system may be applied to more than one washing machine (2) andtoilet group (B). As unit number of external components of the system(A), (B) increases in multiple projects, proportionally the number ofunits of internal members of the system (C) also increases and/oroptimization of these elements is performed. In this mentioned centralsystem, for example, if 3 toilet sets (B) are to be used; largerpolyethylene tank (4), stronger booster (6), a wider solar panel (7) andmodernized electronic unit (7.1) are required. Accordingly, theconnecting pipes (D) and other elements of the system are shapedaccording to the project. For example, if invention system; is to beused from laundry complex of to the toilets in all rooms, particularproject is drawn for such project. Project optimization can be achievedby drawing the project according to calculations of connection pipes (D)thickness, the reservoir (4) size etc., and width, length, flow, force,etc. of all other units of the system components. In short, theinvention system may be applied to other multi/central structures aswell as individual systems. (FIG. 1/1)

METHOD OF APPLYING THE INVENTION TO INDUSTRY

The invention described herein, can be produced and used in any field ofindustrial sector and applicable to the industry. The invention can beapplied as single or multi structural projects in all residential,office, hotel, resort, sites and so on having washing machine andtoilets.

1. The present invention is a water-saving toilet system comprised of filter capsule inlet port (3.1) which adjusts to drainage hoses of all washing machines (A) and connecting pipe (D) which adjusts to all water closets, urinals, squatting pans, etc., toilet groups (B).
 2. The invention is a water saving system evaluating detergent waste water of washing machines in toilet products and comprised of; Corrosion-resistant, manually cleaned and multi-time-use stainless steel filter (3), holding particles coming from washing machine (2) via waste water, Polyethylene tank (4) storing the liquid which should be readily deposited and required for siphoning, Booster (6), automatically pumping fluid in polyethylene tank (4) to siphon tank (8) at a certain flow rate, Solar panel (7) producing electrical energy required to run the booster (6) and the sensor set (5) (5.1), Energy storing electronic unit (7.1), serving to store this energy Electronic unit electricity mains connection (7.1.1) to ensure of the system in case of any failure that may occur in solar panel (7) or in electronic unit (7.1), External power supply cables (F), to ensure sustainability and operability of sensor set (5) (5.1) and booster (6) in systems without solar panel (7) by obtaining energy from mains electricity supply directly. PVC connection pipes (D); transferring fluid in the tank (4) to booster (6) and from booster (6) to the siphon tank (8).
 3. Steel filter (3) in claim 2 is the filter protecting the whole system against particles, and comprised of a filter (3) protecting polyethylene tank (4) against sludging which may occur at its base; and protecting PVC pipes (D), the siphon tank (8) and the booster (6), against residues/particles which may cause blockages.
 4. Polyethylene tank (4) in claim 2 is comprised of structure chemistry (polyethylene) to prevent algaecide and bacterial growth, upper limit float (4.2) preventing overflow and liquid drain outlet (1.3), lower limit float (4.1) which is for important continuous operability of the system and protecting minimum liquid level in the tank (4), mains water support inlet (1.2), enabling measurement of liquid level in the tank (4) and ventilation grille (4.3) on the tank (4) ventilating liquid level sensor assembly (5) (5.1) and tank (4).
 5. Three-way diagonal valve (8.1) in claim 1 (C) is comprised of three-way diagonal valve (8.1) enabling user to prefer siphon tank (8) to be filled either with washing machine (2) waste water or mains water (1.1) and one inlet is placed to PVC connection pipes (D), and one inlet is placed to mains water line (1.1), and one inlet is connected to siphon tank (8), and placed just before siphon tank (8).
 6. In claim 1, laundry machine (2) and the toilet set (B) are characterized with using washing machine (2) detergent waste water that provides antifungal-antibacterial effect in toilet bowls, urinals and etc., toiletry products (B) and providing hygiene, fragrance and effective cleaning. 